What do you think?
Rate this book
Bardstown #3
Beautiful Crazy
Oh, my God, I kissed my best friend. And I liked it!
Emily Chesney moved in a few years ago in place of her brother, and although I wasn’t excited about living with a woman I couldn’t have (her brother’s doing, not mine), we set a few ground rules and quickly became friends. Best friends.
I tried to date after she moved in. I tried with just about every girl who works on my floor at one timeor another. I even hit on a few ladies in the bar, but I never felt anything with anybody.
Zip. Zero. Zilch. No spark whatsoever.
The day my father was diagnosed though, I had a moment of weakness and kissed Emily and I liked it. A lot. I felt it deep in my bones. It was the best kiss I’ve ever had.
I know we made rules that should be respected and followed, but damn if I don’t want to break them all with her one by one. I might be shooting myself in the foot with cupid’s arrow, but I can’t help it.
I think I’m falling for my best friend.
Emily Chesney moved in a few years ago in place of her brother, and although I wasn’t excited about living with a woman I couldn’t have (her brother’s doing, not mine), we set a few ground rules and quickly became friends. Best friends.
I tried to date after she moved in. I tried with just about every girl who works on my floor at one timeor another. I even hit on a few ladies in the bar, but I never felt anything with anybody.
Zip. Zero. Zilch. No spark whatsoever.
The day my father was diagnosed though, I had a moment of weakness and kissed Emily and I liked it. A lot. I felt it deep in my bones. It was the best kiss I’ve ever had.
I know we made rules that should be respected and followed, but damn if I don’t want to break them all with her one by one. I might be shooting myself in the foot with cupid’s arrow, but I can’t help it.
I think I’m falling for my best friend.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2021
94 people are currently reading
274 people want to read
About the author
Susan Renee
40 books646 followersInternational Best Selling author, Susan Renee, wants to live in a world where paint doesn't smell, book boyfriends are real, and everything is covered in glitter. An indie romance author, Susan has written about everything from tacos to tow-trucks, loves writing romantic comedies but also enjoys creating an emotional angsty story from time to time. She lives in Ohio with her husband, kids, two dogs and a cat. Susan holds a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Music Education and a self-awarded Doctorate in Sass and Sarcasm. She enjoys laughing at memes, speaking in GIFs and spending an entire day jumping down the TikTok rabbit hole. When she's not writing or playing the role of Mom, her favorite activity is doing the Care Bear stare with her closest friends.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 2, 2021
Emmet has been living with his roommate Emily for several years now. They are best friends & they have rules to keep it that way. One of them being, no fooling around with each other.
But one day Emmet’s dad gets diagnosed with a tumor & he gets drunk. His best friend is right there comforting him… In a moment of weakness Emmet kisses Emily, and he liked it (a lot).
But what about their friendship? And the rules they’ve set? Well… some rules are meant to be broken? ;)
This is the 3rd book in the Bardstown Series and I just love these books! Each book is about a Fox brother & their (would be) love and has their own trope.
Emmet & Emily’s story was sweet, touching, funny (had me laughing out loud at times) & has some fiery spice. Definitely recommend!
But one day Emmet’s dad gets diagnosed with a tumor & he gets drunk. His best friend is right there comforting him… In a moment of weakness Emmet kisses Emily, and he liked it (a lot).
But what about their friendship? And the rules they’ve set? Well… some rules are meant to be broken? ;)
This is the 3rd book in the Bardstown Series and I just love these books! Each book is about a Fox brother & their (would be) love and has their own trope.
Emmet & Emily’s story was sweet, touching, funny (had me laughing out loud at times) & has some fiery spice. Definitely recommend!
November 17, 2021
This book is everything I needed right now.
The fox brothers are fast becoming my favourite males Susan has written.
As with each book in this series while reading emmett's I felt a whole range of emotions, I laughed, I cried, I sobbed and I swooned *you guys I really swooned*
The heat is off the charts 🥵 like damn...
I believe em and emm may be my favourite pairing, they fit together so beautifully 😍
I'm honestly not sure how I'm going to cope when there are no more books to come in this series 😩 but for now I'm going to enjoy my post book high.
The fox brothers are fast becoming my favourite males Susan has written.
As with each book in this series while reading emmett's I felt a whole range of emotions, I laughed, I cried, I sobbed and I swooned *you guys I really swooned*
The heat is off the charts 🥵 like damn...
I believe em and emm may be my favourite pairing, they fit together so beautifully 😍
I'm honestly not sure how I'm going to cope when there are no more books to come in this series 😩 but for now I'm going to enjoy my post book high.
November 18, 2021
This was sent to me by the author in return for an honest review
Emmett was roomates with Emily's brother Wes in college. Before he moved out he told Emmett his sister Emily would take his room when she graduated. He didn't have feelings for her at first but now that he doesn't he doesn't know how to tell her. Emily has lived there for two years with Emmett and he's her best friend. They know everything about each other. At first she wanted him to notice her as more than a sister but she got over that when she realized she wasn't his type. Will he make the move to get the girl?
Emmett is still hurting from his dad's passing. He's such a sweet guy. The dance was so cute. Wes asks them to pretend it be a couple for a family dinner because he proposed to his girlfriend and doesn't want their mom to feel left out. This was when Emmett could really show Emily how he truly feels even if they thinks it's fake. When they have to stay the night at her moms isn't how I expected it to go. They don't realize that they both want each other more than anything. The small fights they have are definitely painful. The wedding was a surprise. The ending was just what I needed. I love how the song lyrics are all through the book. Although there were a few things I wish were in the story it was overall an honor to review.
Emmett was roomates with Emily's brother Wes in college. Before he moved out he told Emmett his sister Emily would take his room when she graduated. He didn't have feelings for her at first but now that he doesn't he doesn't know how to tell her. Emily has lived there for two years with Emmett and he's her best friend. They know everything about each other. At first she wanted him to notice her as more than a sister but she got over that when she realized she wasn't his type. Will he make the move to get the girl?
Emmett is still hurting from his dad's passing. He's such a sweet guy. The dance was so cute. Wes asks them to pretend it be a couple for a family dinner because he proposed to his girlfriend and doesn't want their mom to feel left out. This was when Emmett could really show Emily how he truly feels even if they thinks it's fake. When they have to stay the night at her moms isn't how I expected it to go. They don't realize that they both want each other more than anything. The small fights they have are definitely painful. The wedding was a surprise. The ending was just what I needed. I love how the song lyrics are all through the book. Although there were a few things I wish were in the story it was overall an honor to review.
December 8, 2021
Like Susan Renee's other books in this series, this book starts with a one liner that made me laugh and fall over. Emmett is one of 4 Fox brothers and he and Emily are discussed in other books. It isn't necessary to read the other books first. You will still immediately be able to get into the book without reading the others but I do recommend that you read the others. Emmett is living with Emily in a roommate type of situation after Emily's brother who is Emmett's friend moves out. E&E become great friends. If only they would nix the rules and get out of their own way they could be more. I enjoyed the realistic story line and characters. The book does have a little bit of spice which I enjoy. At times I wanted to be a secondary character to tell them to ignore the rules and stop being so stubborn. This is a good book with a realistic plot line and is well written.
December 8, 2021
Great book!
This is the third book in the Bardstown series, and it was absolutely perfect. I was hooked from the beginning, and couldn’t put it down. Emmet and Emily are so good together. And their chemistry is just leaps off the page. I love how, once Emmet realized that Emily was it for him, he never thought about anyone else. I think is was great how they were friends first, and then became lovers. I think it makes for a stronger relationship. This book had me laughing out loud. But it also had me tearing up. These books are so full of everything that makes a perfect story, plus all the spice. Can’t wait to read Asher and Ivys story. I definitely recommend this book. You won’t regret reading it.
This is the third book in the Bardstown series, and it was absolutely perfect. I was hooked from the beginning, and couldn’t put it down. Emmet and Emily are so good together. And their chemistry is just leaps off the page. I love how, once Emmet realized that Emily was it for him, he never thought about anyone else. I think is was great how they were friends first, and then became lovers. I think it makes for a stronger relationship. This book had me laughing out loud. But it also had me tearing up. These books are so full of everything that makes a perfect story, plus all the spice. Can’t wait to read Asher and Ivys story. I definitely recommend this book. You won’t regret reading it.
December 8, 2021
These Fox brothers are hot, hot, hot! This is the 3rd installment of the Bardstown Series, but what I love about these books is they can be read as stand alones. However they do all give glimpses of each other in them so I do recommend reading them all!
This one was about Emmett and Emily! 2 best friends who's chemistry is off the chart but could never quite think of themselves that way. Until 1 kiss changed that!
This book has it all, love, friendship, family, humor, emotion and some steam! What I love so much about Susan Renee's writing is it's always relatable. There are so many things within this series that I and many readers I'm sure have dealt with or been through, and that keeps me hooked everytime
This one was about Emmett and Emily! 2 best friends who's chemistry is off the chart but could never quite think of themselves that way. Until 1 kiss changed that!
This book has it all, love, friendship, family, humor, emotion and some steam! What I love so much about Susan Renee's writing is it's always relatable. There are so many things within this series that I and many readers I'm sure have dealt with or been through, and that keeps me hooked everytime
January 3, 2022
The long awaited friends to lovers of Emmett & Emily. This is the 3rd book in the Bardstown series with the Fox brothers. I definitely enjoyed this story. The pair run off some awesome one liners and the facts were cracking me up! I have been cheering for these two since book one and I was not disappointed. I am so looking forward to the last brother in the series… I mean book!
November 23, 2021
Omg. This book. I was so mad that I had to put it down! Emmet and Emily…sigh… you just… you just knew they had to be together.
I have not read any of the other books in the Bardstown series by Susan Renee but I can guarantee you that I will be now.
Susan Renee is a master of character creation. You know these people. You see them every day. You talk to them. They are your friends. Yes, she makes them that believable. And when their hearts break, your heart breaks. There is no way around it. From page one, you will be vested in these people and what happens in their life.
I won’t lie, while reading this, there was more than one occasion where I got mad at people for interrupting me. I mean, I always do, but this book, this was different. Every time I got interrupted, I wanted to throw something and scream for people to leave me alone.
Emily and Emmett are true relationship goals. Susan Renee is a master of her craft and everyone should fall in love like Emily and Emmett. And the spice level is HOT HOT HOT!
Go read this book. NOW.
I have not read any of the other books in the Bardstown series by Susan Renee but I can guarantee you that I will be now.
Susan Renee is a master of character creation. You know these people. You see them every day. You talk to them. They are your friends. Yes, she makes them that believable. And when their hearts break, your heart breaks. There is no way around it. From page one, you will be vested in these people and what happens in their life.
I won’t lie, while reading this, there was more than one occasion where I got mad at people for interrupting me. I mean, I always do, but this book, this was different. Every time I got interrupted, I wanted to throw something and scream for people to leave me alone.
Emily and Emmett are true relationship goals. Susan Renee is a master of her craft and everyone should fall in love like Emily and Emmett. And the spice level is HOT HOT HOT!
Go read this book. NOW.
December 11, 2021
This book was sent to me by the author for an honest review. Susan Renee captured me from the first sentence and had me laughing but shocked all at the same time. This is the first book I have read so I will most definitely purchase the first two books after I’m finished writing this! Emmett and Emily starts out as the best of friends, roommates and of course there are ground rules. I loved reading how their friendship evolved into an amazing love story once they broke the rules and admitted their love to each other. Susan had me laughing out loud, shocked, surprised and crying at times throughout this book. The cheese grater, oh my. I love how Em is not afraid to be her true self and Emm loves her and all her crazy beautiful parts. The letter towards the end had me both crying, laughing and covering my mouth smiling by the end. What an amazing friends to lovers story with a happily ever after.
December 7, 2021
Beautiful Crazy is book three is Susan Renee's Bardstown series. Emmett and Emily are best friends and roommates, living in blind denial that they have something more than friendship. We the reader can see it, the Fox family can see it, heck, I'm thinking my non-reading husband could see it. What ensues is a funny, heartfelt, beautiful, crazy evolution from best friends to maybe more.
Susan Renee has the ability to make you laugh while crying, inserting love and family and loyalty into everything she writes. The Bardstown series really brings all that home with each brother having a very different and distinct personality. Em is not an exception here, he's outgoing, loving, caring, loyal, and smart. He's his father's son, and we get a glimpse at Dad Fox again, and there are tears again, but different than before. These are funny tears.
I absolutely recommend that you read this book, and this series. This family is everything. Susan's writing is wonderful. Do yourself a favor an don't miss it!
Susan Renee has the ability to make you laugh while crying, inserting love and family and loyalty into everything she writes. The Bardstown series really brings all that home with each brother having a very different and distinct personality. Em is not an exception here, he's outgoing, loving, caring, loyal, and smart. He's his father's son, and we get a glimpse at Dad Fox again, and there are tears again, but different than before. These are funny tears.
I absolutely recommend that you read this book, and this series. This family is everything. Susan's writing is wonderful. Do yourself a favor an don't miss it!
July 6, 2023
**TISSUE ALERT **
Standalone, interconnected characters
*over 18 readers only*
Best friends to Lovers
Bardstown Series (Book 3)
Emmett and Emily live together and are best friends. Emmett's father dies from an inoperable brain tumor. If you have read any of the previous books, you know that and what's coming in the letter.
Emmett and Emily are the cutest couple, but they have never crossed that line. Everyone knows it's coming, though. It won't be a smooth ride. There will be bumps. This book probably won't break you like the first two and is nowhere near as gut-wrenching as SEVEN (I loved you then). It is a great friends-to-lovers story. The tattoos are a cute add-in if you've been paying attention.
Standalone, interconnected characters
*over 18 readers only*
Best friends to Lovers
Bardstown Series (Book 3)
Emmett and Emily live together and are best friends. Emmett's father dies from an inoperable brain tumor. If you have read any of the previous books, you know that and what's coming in the letter.
Emmett and Emily are the cutest couple, but they have never crossed that line. Everyone knows it's coming, though. It won't be a smooth ride. There will be bumps. This book probably won't break you like the first two and is nowhere near as gut-wrenching as SEVEN (I loved you then). It is a great friends-to-lovers story. The tattoos are a cute add-in if you've been paying attention.
December 5, 2021
This is the third book in the Bardstown series, and it was absolutely perfect. I was hooked from the beginning, and couldn’t put it down. Emmet and Emily are so good together. And their chemistry is just leaps off the page. I love how, once Emmet realized that Emily was it for him, he never thought about anyone else. I think is was great how they were friends first, and then became lovers. I think it makes for a stronger relationship. This book had me laughing out loud. But it also had me tearing up. These books are so full of everything that makes a perfect story, plus all the spice. Can’t wait to read Asher and Ivys story. I definitely recommend this book. You won’t regret reading it.
January 4, 2025
Sweet redemption was made with this book. Last year, I read the first 2 in the series and the second one just left me with a lot of feelings and couldn’t continue at that time. It felt like it was time, and I am so happy I picked the series back up.
Emmett & Emily (Emm & Em….i mean, can it get any cuter?) are a friends to lover book. I just love these Fox men, and Emmett doesn’t disappoint. He’s just the perfect gentleman and Emily is so dang quirky, but I love her.
As is true with a lot of Susan Renee’s books; you get the entire gamut of emotion. You laugh, you cry, you hold your breath. Up next…Ash & Ivy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖: KU
Emmett & Emily (Emm & Em….i mean, can it get any cuter?) are a friends to lover book. I just love these Fox men, and Emmett doesn’t disappoint. He’s just the perfect gentleman and Emily is so dang quirky, but I love her.
As is true with a lot of Susan Renee’s books; you get the entire gamut of emotion. You laugh, you cry, you hold your breath. Up next…Ash & Ivy!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖: KU
December 1, 2021
When I personally read a book I feel like I’m in a movie. This story made feels all types of ways. Emmett and Emily are amazing characters. Best friends little sister/ roommate/ best friend to Lover. This book was a slow burn. It’s was small town love and a very small age gap. This book had it all. I had so many emotions. I cried laughed and smiled. I got mad and emotional with Emily. The nick names are cute! My favorite part had to be the relationship between the Fox boys.
Characters 100/100
Plot 75/100
Spicy 1000/100
Trope 100/100
Characters 100/100
Plot 75/100
Spicy 1000/100
Trope 100/100
December 7, 2021
Susan Renee has a sense of humor that is very unique. I told her that we are certainly kindred spirit's.
I often find myself looking up songs that authors put in their stories. How come she got me googeling penis shaped cheese grater? (Yes, it is a real thing! I found it!)
I mean, come on... you know the book is gonna be awesome when the first line is, "My dick hurts"... What are you waiting for? Get the book TODAY!
This is book 3 of her 4 book Bardstown Series. Each book seems to get better and better! I can't wait to read Ash and Lacey's story next.
I often find myself looking up songs that authors put in their stories. How come she got me googeling penis shaped cheese grater? (Yes, it is a real thing! I found it!)
I mean, come on... you know the book is gonna be awesome when the first line is, "My dick hurts"... What are you waiting for? Get the book TODAY!
This is book 3 of her 4 book Bardstown Series. Each book seems to get better and better! I can't wait to read Ash and Lacey's story next.
December 7, 2021
If you've read any other Bardstown series books, then you'll already love the Fox brothers. In this book, you get to meet Emmett Fox, and his roommate/best friend, Emily. I loved watching the witty banter between the two of them as their romance bloomed. The sexual tension between them made for some great steamy scenes, and a wonderful storyline. Emily's quirky personality was believable and lovable, especially her knowledge of unusual facts. Can't wait for book 4! Highly recommend!
November 24, 2021
Oh this is so good. I'll be back with my review in just a tiny little bit. Wow!
So this is a wonderful series about the Fox brothers and this book is about Emmett and his best friend/roommate Emily.
One kiss was all he needed to realize that he is falling for his best friend.
This book is so darn good and I love how Susan has made this series deep, funny and steamy. I laughed and yes I cried too but I loved every moment of this book.
So this is a wonderful series about the Fox brothers and this book is about Emmett and his best friend/roommate Emily.
One kiss was all he needed to realize that he is falling for his best friend.
This book is so darn good and I love how Susan has made this series deep, funny and steamy. I laughed and yes I cried too but I loved every moment of this book.
December 6, 2021
If you have already read the other Bardstown books then you have seen glimpses of Emmett and Emily in both the other books. If you haven’t don’t worry. Susan Renee makes it easy to jump into this one, the only thing missing will be background on the other brothers. Emmett and Emily are best friends and roommates. I knew those two things going in, however I didn’t know that Emily also had a brother that is Emmett’s friend as well. That is one trope I always love even if it isn’t the main part of this book. Emily seems so relatable with thinking her little quirks make her odd. I feel like everyone feels that way at some point. Then you have Emmett, the playboy, who is starting to see what everyone around him always has seen.
December 7, 2021
Susan Renee has a sense of humor like no one else.
Her books greatly reflect that. You will laugh out
loud, but feel the character's frustration with each
other as they figure out their feelings. This is a
smooth read that just flows and if you have read the
previous books, you see how it's intertwined.
Her books greatly reflect that. You will laugh out
loud, but feel the character's frustration with each
other as they figure out their feelings. This is a
smooth read that just flows and if you have read the
previous books, you see how it's intertwined.
December 8, 2021
While I feel this story was a bit rushed I still enjoyed it! Sometimes we can't see past our noses to what's in front of us. When best friends Em and Emm finally realize how they both feel, will one of them give up on them due to their own insecurities? You'll have to find out in this sweet and definitely one to feel connected with story! Can't wait for the fourth book!
December 8, 2021
Another wonderful read from the terrific Susan Renee! I adore the whole Fox family, and the dynamics between Emmett and Emily were spot-on! At times sweet, at times funny, at times spicy, and at all times a great story. Grateful to the author for the opportunity to read and review this fabulous book before it's release.
December 13, 2021
Grab a blanket, your favorite drink and settle in, you won't want to put it down! Absolutely nothing to dislike about this book. Susan has you laughing, crying, falling in love and cheering by the end of the book. Not only is it well written, but it keeps you on the edge of your seat rooting for this couple. With only one more brother to go, I don't want it to end!!
November 29, 2023
I am in love with this family. Yet another perfect story of a beautiful friendship that makes for a very special couple. Emmett and Emily are by far the cutest friends with so much heart and their on going love for each other is remarkable . Bring in the rest of the fox boys and you have a heart throbbing story !
November 19, 2021
I am an ARC reader for this book- and so in love with this series!! Holy crazy! I want to be Em and do Emm! This was such a cute- meet, with a bit of spice. Gotta love misunderstandings and then making up after.
November 22, 2021
I am an Arc reader that just fell in love with Em and Emm! Emm sounds as delicious as apple pancakes. Once I started this book it was hard to put it down. I laughed, cried and got all the feels for this book!
December 12, 2021
Susan Renee always delivers. Beautiful Crazy, the third in the series, is hilarious. I smiled and laughed so much through this book. It was a truly fun read. I recommend you read every one of Susan’s books. They don’t disappoint.
February 11, 2022
Emily and Emmett! Such a great best friends to lovers romance. They start out as roommates, but there is such chemistry there that neither one of them sees! But once they get in tune with their feelings and desires it turns really hot! Another great book in this series of the Fox brothers!
January 5, 2024
So I was honestly disappointed in this one… Emily was very insecure to the point of coming off weak… and all Emmett did was boost her up and feed her positive things about herself … there were also several things an editor should have caught… so yeah it was just meh for me
January 6, 2025
Wow amazing I love the details with the characters and how they interacted with each other .the twists and the spice was wow didn’t expect that I loved the book amazing
January 3, 2026
Fall In Love With Emmett
Emmett stole my heart. This story was another winner. I can not wait to read Ashes story. Jump right in and enjoy this terrific family.
Emmett stole my heart. This story was another winner. I can not wait to read Ashes story. Jump right in and enjoy this terrific family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews